Ajax's stumble of the century

Ajax lost the championship in unbelievable way.

In the world of football, sometimes a nine-point lead is just an illusion of safety. Ajax learned this lesson the hard way, losing the title in just five games. Not because the opponent was too strong, but because the club lost itself.

One falls, one rises

The story began on March 30, when Ajax defeated PSV Eindhoven 2-0 away in round 27, widening the gap to 9 points. At that time, experts hastily awarded the championship trophy to the capital team. But that was the beginning of a series of unforgettable events for Ajax - and a spectacular revival story for PSV.

Pressure is an invisible weapon that can bring down any giant. Wim Jonk, a former midfielder who played for both teams, pointed out that when Ajax started dropping points, they fell into a state of "psychological paralysis". The team no longer had the spirit of a title contender, but instead had poor decisions and lacked confidence.

In stark contrast, PSV proved their steely resolve. The team suffered a painful 1-7 defeat against Arsenal in the Champions League, but they knew how to put aside their egos and focus on the common goal. A streak of six consecutive wins in the decisive phase was not only a testament to their professional level but also a measure of their fighting spirit.

PSV beat Ajax to win the 2024/25 Dutch league title.

If we had to pick a defining moment of the season, it would probably be the 90+9 minute of PSV’s match against Feyenoord. Trailing 0-2 in the first half, PSV equalized 2-2 and then scored the decisive goal in the 90+9 minute through former Ajax player Noa Lang. That moment not only gave PSV hope but also created a psychological shock for Ajax.

Ironically, Ajax also had their own 90+9 minute - but it was the unlucky 99th minute when they were held to a draw by Groningen (who were down to 10 men). This fateful moment not only cost Ajax 2 valuable points but also completely destroyed the spirit of the entire team.

Tactical Lesson: It's Not Just a Personnel Issue

Ajax's biggest mistake, according to Jonk, was their "defend to protect the result" tactic. Instead of continuing to push forward and maintain pressure on their opponents, Ajax sat back and defended - something completely contrary to the DNA of a team known for its beautiful and proactive attacking style.

On the other hand, PSV showed a diversity of approach. They knew when to attack strongly, when to wait patiently for opportunities. This flexibility was the key factor that helped them overcome the most difficult challenges on the journey to the throne.

There have been bright spots for Ajax this season, though. The development of young talents such as Jorrel Hato, Kenneth Taylor, Brian Brobbey and Youri Baas has been remarkable. The presence of Jordan Henderson, with his experience and the character of a European champion, has brought much-needed stability to the dressing room.

Ajax collapsed because they lost themselves.

The 2024/25 Eredivisie season is the most vivid proof of the saying "nothing is impossible" in football. From a position of superiority with a large gap, Ajax let PSV touch the throne thanks to their relentless efforts and excellent ability to overcome difficulties.

The nine-point gap seemed settled, but it was the fateful moments that changed everything. This is a stark reminder for any team dreaming of the title: Never be complacent, never let your guard down for even a moment. Because football, in the end, is still a battle of spirit, of courage and of decisive moments. Ajax lost themselves, and PSV found the inner strength to make history.

Source: https://znews.vn/cu-say-chan-the-ky-cua-ajax-post1554197.html